Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir 2021, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Located in rural Carlton, Oregon, Ken Wright Cellars is devoted to showcasing the inherent quality of selected vineyard sites. With a clarity and breadth that is unequaled by other varieties, they believe Pinot Noir best expresses the character of these sites. More than any other variety, Pinot Noir has very specific climatic needs. While other varieties can adapt to variable conditions, Pinot Noir can be rather finicky, achieving success in only a handful of places in the world. Nestled between the lower elevation Coast Range to the west, and higher elevation Cascade Range to the east, the Northern Willamette Valley is one of those very special places where Pinot Noir excels. By worldwide standards, it is extremely cool, and yet it enjoys a long growing season. This extended season or ‘hangtime’ provides time for the complete development of flavor, aroma and texture. All of the successful vineyards of this area are planted on hillsides between 200 and 700 feet in elevation, in well-drained soil. The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of Ken Wright’s traditional vineyards. 2021 vintage – Floral notes of magnolia, rose and candied red fruits play with gentle touches of cinnamon and clove on the nose. Flavors of generous red cherry, raspberry, and plum swirl with subtle notes of vanilla cream. This wine graces the entire palate with smoothly textured tannins and leaves it with a lucisusly clean finish.